HERNIA. 



279 



true hernia it will increase in size after a full meal. The exam- 

 iner should take hold of the suspected mass, while an assistant 

 coughs the animal. If it be a portion of the bowel, it will be 

 drawn up when the animal coughs. If it be raised up with the 

 hand, it sensibly diminishes in volume, from part of its contents 

 being withdrawn into the abdomen, which retraction is some- 

 times attended with a gurgling sound. 



Treatment. — The best method is to cast the animal, and by 

 gentle manipulation return the intestine into the abdominal 

 cavity. After which, take 

 hold of the testicles and 

 apply clams over the 

 scrotum, close up, and 

 allow the whole affection 

 to slough off. This method 

 has proven satisfactory in 

 every case with myself. 

 A good and very success- 

 ful operation, known as 

 the covered operation, 

 must be entrasted with 

 the veterinary surgeon. 

 The operation is per- 

 formed as follows: The Fig. 73-Scrotal Hernia. 



skin and dartos muscle are to be carefully separated from the 

 tunica reilexa until the hernial sack is fully exposed to view, and 

 incision, sufficiently large to introduce the finger, is then to be 

 carefully made into it. The hernial sack being exposed to view, 

 the finger along with the bistoury should be passed into the 

 opening and divide the structure. It, as a rule, will now pass 

 back into its place; but if a large quantity of intestines are im- 

 prisoned, it will be necessary to enlarge the tunica reflexa, so 

 that the bowel may be pulled out, gently unravelled, and re- 

 turned. The return being effected, the scrotum, including the 

 skin, cord, and tunicas are to be enclosed in a plain clam, which 



